Congress considers military aid cuts to Egypt because of persecution

WASHINGTON (AP) - Some members of Congress say the U.S. shouldconsider suspending the $1 billion a year in military aid it givesto Egypt unless the rights of Egyptian Christians are fullyrespected. Elyce Anderson, foreign policy director for Congressman FrankWolf, says that appeal is in a letter circulating on Capitol Hillthat will be sent to President Barack Obama. She and otheradvocates for religious freedom addressed the Family ResearchCouncil on Wednesday. Ann Buwalda, executive director of the Jubilee Campaign USA,said "Coptic Christians are fleeing Egypt in droves" to escapeattacks from Islamists and government forces that have intensifiedsince the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. Thomas Farr, director of the Religious Freedom Project atGeorgetown University, says the U.S. should warn Egypt's leadersthat their transition to democracy is doomed to failure unless theygrant full and equal rights to their millions of Coptic Christians.